Souk El-Berka, Tunis

Traditionally in Tunisia, a man asking for the hand of a young lady in marriage would give her, among other presents, a kholkhal, meaning a heel bracelet. Pure gold, it was a masterpiece in the lady's dowry. Nowadays, it is quite rare to see one, or a pair. It is not only expensive, but in Tunisian law , the so-called dowry now is equal to only one Tunisian dinar. The democratization of the dowry has put the once-famous heel bracelet in the museums. Even so, receiving a heel bracelet as a present would be warmly welcomed by wives and strongly refuted by husbands!